The Catcher in the Rye Questions on Irony
The Catcher in the Rye
Irony in The Catcher in the Rye
Irony in The Catcher in the Rye is prevalent, highlighting Holden Caulfield's contradictory nature. He despises "phonies" yet often behaves hypocritically, seeking comfort from those he criticizes....
The Catcher in the Rye
What does Holden mean by "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot" in The Catcher in the Rye?
When Holden says "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot," he means that despite lacking formal education and feeling inarticulate, he reads extensively and understands literature. This phrase...
The Catcher in the Rye
Why does Holden frequently say "That killed me" in The Catcher in the Rye?
In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden frequently says "That killed me" as a sign that a particular statement is ironic, surprising, or preposterous. He does this because he is prone to hyperbole and...
The Catcher in the Rye
In The Catcher in the Rye, what does Holden mean by "just a throw" when discussing the prostitute with the elevator guy?
When Holden refers to "just a throw," he is talking about the cost of a sexual encounter with the prostitute as presented by the elevator guy, Maurice. The term "throw" means a single act of...
The Catcher in the Rye
In The Catcher in the Rye, what does Holden mean when he says Mr. Vinson had intelligence but lacked "too much brains"?
Holden describes Mr. Vinson as having "intelligence" but lacking "too much brains" to express his frustration with Vinson's rigid teaching style. Mr. Vinson, an Oral Expression teacher, emphasized...
The Catcher in the Rye
Why is it ironic that Phoebe asks Holden not to swear in The Catcher in the Rye?
It is ironic that Phoebe asks Holden not to swear because Holden frequently swears throughout the novel, showing he sees no issue with it. Phoebe’s request is ironic because she is unaware of her...